Independent Canadian Music in the Streaming Age: The Sound from above (Critical Political Economy) and below (Ethnography of Musicians)

This article illustrates the precarious position of Canadian independent musicians in the streaming era. In the first section, we articulate the sound of the Canadian music industry from above, providing a macro-level political economy, looking at multinational conglomerates, streaming technology, financialization, consolidation, and inequality. In sections two and three, we listen to the sound from below using ethnographic methods, relaying the experiences of independent musicians within an increasingly precarious industry. Based on feedback from the musicians we interviewed, we conclude by providing a series of recommendations and ideas to foster a more equitable, community-based music culture.

Automated summary

This article highlights the challenging situation faced by Canadian independent musicians in the streaming era. It provides a macro-level analysis of the Canadian music industry, examining multinational conglomerates, streaming technology, financialization, consolidation, and inequality. Ethnographic research methods are employed to convey the experiences of independent musicians within an increasingly precarious industry. The article concludes by offering recommendations and ideas, based on feedback from interviewed musicians, to foster a more equitable and community-based music culture.